Due to COVID 19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline to apply for exceptions due to Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy. This exception allows MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, and virtual groups to submit an application requesting reweighting of one or more MIPS performance categories to 0%.

Notes:

1. Individuals, groups, and virtual groups can’t submit an application to override PY2020 data that has already been submitted.  Any data submitted as an individual, group, or virtual group before or after an application has been approved will be scored.
2. When fewer than 2 performance categories can be scored, the final score for the 2020 MIPS performance period would be equal to the performance threshold, and MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, and virtual groups would then receive a neutral payment adjustment in 2022.
3. MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, and virtual groups that have an approved application may still receive scores for the Quality, Improvement Activities, and Promoting Interoperability performance if data is submitted.
4. Notification of approval or denial of applications will be received by email.

Useful links:

• Learn more in the 2020 Exceptions Applications Fact Sheet. 
• Apply for exceptions: cms.gov
• Check application status: QPP Participation Status Tool
• Additional Information: Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception